BE WISER DUCATI PEDIGREE

Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) returned to the MCE British Superbike Championship from the world stage in 2012 and added the 2012 crown to their previous two consecutive MCE BSB title victories with the late Steve Hislop and Shane 'Shakey' Byrne from 2002 and 2003.

The team have one of the strongest pedigrees in the British paddock and led by Team Owner Paul Bird they have secured championship wins in both the British Superbike, Supersport and formally the British 250cc class.

The team had a strong start to their 2012 season with Shakey a proven winner and he returned from a shoulder injury sustained at Cadwell Park at the opening round of the Showdown at Assen to win again. A triple win at the season final at Brands Hatch saw him celebrate a record-equalling third title and after missing out to Alex Lowes in 2013 Shakey was back for more in 2014. Byrne fought all season long with Ryuichi Kiyonari for the fourth title, celebrating the record-breaking crown in front of his home crowd, but had to settle for the runner-up spot in 2015.

Byrne completed his strive for five titles in 2016 as the team moved back to Ducati machinery as Glenn Irwin progressed from the Supersport class with the team, claiming a debut MCE BSB podium in his rookie campaign.

TEAM INFO

TEAM OWNER

Paul Bird

BASED

Penrith

FIRST RACE

1999

VIEW FROM THE TOP

It’s the first time we’ve offered a two-year deal to any of our riders in over 20 years so that is how significant we look at what Shakey and Ducati brings to the team.
“To win the championship in our first year back with Ducati was a fantastic achievement for PBM, Shakey and the whole team, why would we want to change anything? He asked about a two-year deal, we were comfortable offering it so he’s happy and we are happy.
“As they say, a happy rider is a fast rider so the plan is to win the title again for the next two years with Shakey, but we know it won’t be easy.
Paul Bird, Team Owner